Empowering Housewives Through Microcredit Schemes
In recent years, microcredit schemes have become a beacon of hope for many housewives in Malaysia. These business financing facilities are not only helping them generate income but also enabling them to play a significant role in their families and the broader economy. What was once a traditional role confined to household duties is now being redefined as more women take on entrepreneurial ventures.
A Brave Step for the Family
Martinila Mat Akhir, 46, is one such example. Her decision to leave her full-time job and focus on raising six children was not an easy one. However, her desire to support her husband, who was serving in the armed forces at the time, pushed her to explore new opportunities.
“I had already resigned from my job and at first I didn’t know what to do at home. Eventually, I decided to start a business so I could help my husband while still being around for the children,” she shared.
Starting a business in 2007 was no small feat for Martinila. She faced numerous challenges, especially when it came to securing capital. But after learning about TEKUN’s microcredit scheme, she found a way to strengthen her business.
“Before TEKUN, I used to borrow money from friends just to keep the business going. After receiving the financing, I was able to manage things much better,” she said.
Today, Martinila sells air batu campur in her neighborhood, earning around RM500 a month, which helps cover the school expenses of her two youngest children.
“The kids never go without pocket money. That alone makes me happy,” Martinila, a Dapur Digital initiative participant, said.
From Small Loan to Big Dreams
Another inspiring story comes from Suriya Abdullah, 41, a mother of three who runs a satay business with the help of a RM3,000 microloan.
“It would’ve taken me a long time to save up the capital on my own, so I applied for a microloan. With that, I managed to expand my production,” she said.
What used to be only a few hundred sticks a day has now grown to 1,000 sticks daily, allowing her to increase her family’s income and settle her debts.
“Alhamdulillah, our income has improved, the car loan is fully paid off, and we now own our own house,” she added.
Training and Ongoing Guidance
Maznah Ebirahman, the Dapur Digital coordinator, described the scheme as one of the most effective government initiatives in helping women overcome financial hardship.
She said many participants of the programme had seen a significant increase in their income thanks to training and financial support.
“In just two weeks, some managed to earn RM4,000. In August, we didn’t expect to hit RM10,000, and in September we still made over RM8,000. Alhamdulillah, it’s been very rewarding,” she said.
According to Maznah, 60, the initiative not only provides capital but also equips participants with entrepreneurship training and continuous mentoring to ensure sustainable growth for their businesses.
Government Support for Micro-Entrepreneurship
In his 2025 Budget speech last year, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced a RM3.2 billion allocation in small-scale financing through TEKUN, BSN, and Bank Negara Malaysia – an increase from RM2.4 billion the previous year.
This move reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the micro-entrepreneurship ecosystem and ensuring that women, particularly housewives, have inclusive access to economic opportunities. Through these initiatives, more women are finding ways to contribute to their families and the economy, proving that with the right support, they can achieve great things.
